Save A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring crunchy corn chips, hearty chili, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
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I first made this Frito Pie on a chilly weeknight when my family craved something warm and fun. The layers of crunchy chips and cheesy chili brought everyone to the table in minutes.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g), browned
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can
- Tomato sauce: 1 (8 oz/225 g) can
- Chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Fritos corn chips: 8 oz (225 g)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Green onions: 1/4 cup (10 g), sliced
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables:
- Stir in diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is clear, about 3 minutes.
- Make Chili:
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Simmer for 10 minutes and stir occasionally.
- Layer Chips:
- Spread half of the Fritos in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Add Chili:
- Spoon chili over the chips evenly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
- Top Chips:
- Scatter the remaining Fritos on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Save Whenever we make this recipe, my kids love helping with the chip layers, proudly sprinkling the cheese and waiting enthusiastically for the bubbly finish.
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Variations
Make it vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles or extra beans in place of beef. Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a crisp salad or a glass of iced tea. Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Save 
This classic Frito pie is always a hit at gatherings. The delicious crunch and savory chili keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with more beans or plant-based crumbles to keep the dish meat-free.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase cayenne or add chopped jalapeños to boost the heat to your preference.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds flavor, though Monterey Jack or a blend could be used for variety.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble in advance without baking, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Check the Fritos label to ensure they're gluten-free, as some varieties may contain traces of wheat.
- → What are good garnishes?
Sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro add freshness and flavor atop the baked casserole.
